Hello, I am excited to join the Ultimate for the first time. Looking forward to meeting all crazy people!
Follow this blog for profiles on the 2018 ENDURrun Ultimate Contenders.
Related: Full blog series | Full list of Contenders
We love rookie contenders … welcome Mark Ishikawa!
What convinced you to take the plunge?
I used to be an ultra runner. When people call me CRAZY, that is my happiest moment. I wanted to feel that again this summer.
What exposure did you have to ENDURrun 2017?
Was following online, dreaming I would run in 2018!
What advice have you been collecting? What are your sources?
From my own experience for 35 years including 97 marathons and countless ultras
What are you still hoping to learn by August?
How to manage everyday races. I’ve never done three and more consecutive days.
What are your ENDURrun 2018 stories?
I’m not afraid of distance itself. Speed/time is secondary. My goal is to finish all 7 races with happy smile 🙂
What are you most looking forward to about ENDURrun 2018?
Meeting extremely crazy people, and then feeling that I am still far from crazy
What is your runner profile?
My first marathon was more than 30 years ago. Since then I’ve done 2-3 marathons per year. I’ve reached 97 marathons now. The day 7 marathon of Ultimate will be my 98th marathon (if I can finish). I participated in OUTRACE in 2015 series, was the 2nd place in Male 50+. Normally I do 150-250km/month on various surfaces such as dirt trail, paved roads, indoor track, treadmill. My favorite training route is Rail Trail in Hamilton.
What is the most important part of the ENDURrun identity that appeals to you?
Consecutive days, each day has its race.